Suche
Mein Konto
Wave of bankruptcies in Germany: Over 22,000 bankruptcies expected in 2025!
In Germany, a worrying wave of bankruptcies with over 22,000 bankruptcies is forecast for 2025. The causes are high energy costs and the aftereffects of the corona pandemic.
Wave of bankruptcies in Germany: Over 22,000 bankruptcies expected in 2025!
There is a clear trend in Germany: the wave of bankruptcies continues unstoppably. In September 2025 there was an increase in the number of standard insolvencies filed by 10.4% compared to the same month last year. Even if the increase decreases somewhat compared to August (11.6%), the situation remains tense. The bankruptcy courts are required to decide on the proceedings, but the figures are based on preliminary applications and only show part of the overall picture. The time of filing for insolvency is often several months before the final decision.
Final figures are now available for July 2025: 2,197 companies reported bankruptcy, an increase of 13.4% compared to the previous year. The creditors' claims from these bankruptcies amount to around 3.7 billion euros. Companies in the transport and warehousing sectors are particularly affected. According to tagesschau.de, the increase in bankruptcies is not surprising given the challenges such as high energy prices, political uncertainty and the expiry of state Corona aid.
Forecasts and effects on the labor market
The Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) expects over 22,000 corporate insolvencies in 2025, more than in the previous year. That would be a clear signal of the ongoing crisis, which not only endangers jobs but also entrepreneurial potential. Volker Treier, chief analyst at the DIHK, calls for political structural reforms to improve location factors. He emphasizes that the liquidity of many companies has been severely affected after more than two years of continuous recession.
A total of 12,009 company bankruptcies were registered in the first half of 2025, which corresponds to an increase of 12.2% compared to the previous year. In June 2025, the Federal Statistical Office reported 1,957 corporate insolvencies filed - an increase of 18.4% compared to June 2024. Sectors such as mechanical engineering, the automotive industry, chemicals and pharmaceuticals are particularly affected. ZDF today points out that the uncertainties in transatlantic trade and the switch to electric cars represent further challenges.
The role of bureaucracy and external influences
The market situation is additionally burdened by high energy costs, bureaucracy and a lack of staff in the catering sector. Ralf Zirbes from a credit agency sees four main causes for the bankruptcies: subsequent bankruptcies from the corona pandemic, high energy costs, burdensome bureaucracy and a lack of staff. These factors are accelerating an already tense economic situation.
On the global market, German companies are often heavily dependent on exports. Over 1.2 million jobs depend directly on exports to the USA, which is not insignificant in the context of the current uncertainties. Despite these challenges, the German labor market is currently robust. Early indicators suggest that the impact of bankruptcies on the market will remain moderate. Structural change could create new jobs while jobs are lost elsewhere.
Given this complex situation, it is clear that both companies and political decision-makers are required to act quickly. Calls are increasing for social security and bureaucratic reforms to give companies a better chance of survival and secure the region's economic stability.